Putin Responds To US Sanctions, Calls Them Unfriendly Act

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the latest US sanctions on Russia as an “unfriendly act,” but insisted that Moscow will not yield to external pressure.

Speaking at the Russian Geographical Society in Moscow on Thursday, Putin said the sanctions would not have a significant impact on Russia’s economy, although he acknowledged that they strain relations between Moscow and Washington.

“The sanctions are an attempt to put pressure on Russia, but dialogue is always better than war,” Putin was quoted as saying by Russian state media, TASS.

The remarks come a day after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, citing the Kremlin’s failure to make progress toward ending its war in Ukraine.

Putin argued that replacing Russian oil on global markets would take time and likely trigger higher prices worldwide.

Addressing Trump’s recent comments about cancelling their planned summit in Budapest, the Russian leader clarified that the meeting had been initiated by the United States and was more likely “postponed” than cancelled.

Despite mounting tensions, Putin reiterated that Russia remains open to dialogue, saying both nations have “many areas for cooperation.”